Come along with Kimberly Kralovic as she uncovers her majestic beauty in her essay “Finding the Majestic Beauty Within.“

Feeling beautiful in front of a mirror was my dream come true, yet I knew my thoughts and ideas didn’t matter if no one else thought the same. #Kimberlykralovic #innerbeauty #encouragement
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Growing up, I wanted nothing more than to be intelligent and beautiful. Feeling beautiful in front of a mirror was my dream come true, yet I knew my thoughts and ideas didn’t matter if no one else thought the same.

My thoughts could change, ebb, and flow, but the thoughts and opinions of others? That would seal the deal—the concrete proof I needed for validation and acceptance.

I still remember my wildly insecure days as a child and young teen. My pale skin was covered in painful and embarrassing eczema from my arms to my ankles. I placed a cold, wet washcloth on my face every morning, praying for my chubby cheeks to debloat. And I didn’t leave the house without looking at my backside in the mirror to see if my back brace was visible to the untrained eye despite layers of clothing.

My tight, plastic back brace started at my collarbone and ended at my tailbone, which covered the bottom pockets of my jeans. Not only did my brace make me appear larger than I was as a young 12-year-old, but my body also appeared flat as a pancake from every angle—smooshed and uncomfortable with an old-frizzy perm—I felt anything like God’s beautiful creation.

In high school, I ditched my back brace during the day. Quickly, my perception of my face and body changed. However, I still compared myself every chance I got. Although I no longer had a bulky back brace to hide, new anxieties bred. Every morning, I still looked at my backside, praying my outfit didn’t showcase my evolving scoliosis—and disfigurement.

By senior year, I realized a new insecurity— I was 30 pounds heavier than my freshman year. The weight snuck up on me, putting on 10 pounds a year. After high school, I finally found relief from spinal surgery and, subsequently, weight loss.

I eventually found the revolutionary beauty I was searching for—inside and out.

Now, in my thirties, I finally discovered my true self-worth. Sure, I feel beautiful, but it’s a different kind of beauty, the rare kind that God must see. I see dark circles, but I don’t see flaws. I see imperfections, but I don’t see ugliness or unworthiness. I truly feel beautiful and capable in every sense of the word. Growing older has its perks, and I see myself differently through God’s eyes.

There’s a light in our souls, a twinkle in our eyes, and delicacy on our soft skin that’s unmistakably remarkable. Better yet, beauty is when I feel the Holy Spirit in me. I feel beautiful when praying, reading, or sensing Him near. After a life-long battle with anxiety, I feel beautiful when peace exudes from my heart, a level of peace that comes from God.

I used to think inner beauty didn’t matter, but now I realize its truth, value, and importance. We don’t have to live in shame. Inner beauty is both human and holy. It’s a majestic beauty within that shines outwardly from Christ—and we’re His exquisite masterpieces.

Meet Our Author – Kimberly Kralovic

Kimberly Kralovic is a writer, editor, and host of The Mental Fight podcast. She lives in Ohio with her husband, and she’s passionate about igniting hope in the hearts of others despite their struggles. As an advocate for mental health, you can follow Kimberly on Instagram @kimberlykralovic, where she inspires many.

Website :https://www.kimberlykralovic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlykralovic/

Substack:https://substack.com/@kimberlykralovic

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mental-fight/id1727777037

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